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Kansas House advances regulatory "sandbox" bill after amendment adding minority-party appointments
Summary
House members adopted an amendment to a bill creating a Regulatory Relief Division and a regulatory sandbox in the Attorney General's office; the amendment adds minority-party appointments and passed 89–26. The committee reported the bill favorably.
The Kansas House Committee of the Whole reported House Bill 2291 favorably after lawmakers adopted an amendment that adds minority-party appointments to an advisory committee for a proposed regulatory sandbox program.
Under the bill, the Attorney General’s Office would create a Regulatory Relief Division to operate a regulatory sandbox program. Businesses with innovative products or services could petition the program for temporary relief from certain state rules, registration or certification requirements so long as statutory and public-safety exclusions are met. The bill excludes applicants tied to liquor, cereal malt beverage industries and certain licensed professions.
Representative Sawyer Clayton offered the successful amendment that requires the advisory committee include one member of the Senate appointed by the Senate minority leader and one member of the House appointed by the House minority leader. The House adopted the amendment after a recorded vote, 89 in favor and 26 opposed.
Sponsor Representative Penn said the proposal “explicitly rather says that it does not have that ability, and it leaves it after reporting out, to the legislature to do their constitutional duty,” stressing that the program would not repeal statutes or usurp legislative authority. Supporters said agencies retain veto authority over sandbox approvals and that the sandbox is intended as a time-limited test environment.
Opponents raised constitutional and safety concerns. Representative Carmichael said he opposed the bill and described it as potentially unconstitutional and risky for public health and safety if businesses were allowed to bypass regulatory safeguards. Other critics cautioned that the measure might allow private firms to avoid established compliance checks and urged careful oversight.
The committee reported HB 2291 favorably for passage as amended. Lawmakers said the Attorney General’s Office has been asked for a formal legal opinion and other administrative safeguards would be considered as the bill moves forward.
